BL 21 — Wèi Shū (胃俞) — Stomach Back-Transporting Point
On this page
1. Overview
BL 21 — Wèi Shū (胃俞) — is an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. Its English name, Stomach Back-Transporting Point, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of T12.
3. Actions
- Back-Shu point of the Stomach — harmonises the Stomach
- Descends rebellious Qi and stops vomiting
- Resolves Dampness and transforms Phlegm
- Strengthens the Middle Jiao
4. Indications
- Epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting
- Poor appetite and digestive weakness
- Abdominal distension and bloating
- Back pain at the thoracolumbar junction
5. Needling
Oblique medial insertion 0.5–0.8 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
BL 21 is the Back-Shu point of the Stomach. Combined with CV 12 (Front-Mu of the Stomach) it forms the Front-Mu / Back-Shu pair for Stomach organ regulation. In clinical practice BL 20 and BL 21 are frequently needled together to tonify the Spleen and Stomach simultaneously as the paired Earth element organs.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use BL 21 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Irritable bowel syndrome, Digestive disorders, Morning sickness. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
